An Up-Island Restaurant Favorite Comes Down-Island: Fella’s On Union Opens In Vineyard Haven

Since 1984, Fella, and with the help of his wife, Jane, have been serving up good food on Martha’s Vineyard. Many of you may be familiar with the Up-Island Fella’s, next to Cronig’s, but have you been to Fella’s on Union in Vineyard Haven.

Open now for about two weeks, Fella’s on Union is a delicious addition to downtown. Located where Mad Martha’s used to be, the space is all new and has great design.

Coming Down-Island

Fella and Jane have wanted to have a place in Vineyard Haven for awhile. They’re not focused on catering so much, though eventually Fella wants to get back to doing clambakes on the beach and only that, outside of the stores. Also, this dynamic duo has great energy and they’re not even close to thoughts of retirement yet.

They’ve been eyeing the building on Union Street for a number of years. The location has great potential, being so close to the boats. Lucky for them, the building’s owner, Simone DeSorcy is a good friend of the husband and wife team, and as soon as it become available, things got moving.

Simone’s brother, Leo, did the renovation, using some of his own barn wood, and after a year of construction, the doors are open. Well worth the wait, Fella’s on Union is pretty awesome.

The space is warm and open and surprisingly big. Also, there will soon be outside seating on a great little patio in the back. I had no idea that was even possible in that space.

Something Different 

Fella and Jane have been in the food biz for a long time, and they know their stuff. Also, they know they’re not the only game in town but have come up with a menu to set themselves apart. And a fun little special touch is the list of Island farms featured in the menu items that day.

For breakfast, which was being served when I stopped by, you’ll find omelets and breakfast sandwiches made to order, with a three step build your own process. Who doesn’t love a custom creation?

Lots of options are provided and you can go as healthy or as naughty as you like. There are even a number of local items that are not found elsewhere like Island sprouts and pea shoots (which I just discovered this year).

Though for me, I like the sound of Fella’s Unreal. Brace yourself for this one. It’s a toasted bagel — I would do an everything bagel — with cream cheese, pesto, salami, red onion and tomato. Add a side of home fries and wowza, does that sound delicious!

Also, I have to mention Fella’s special coffee blend. He created this mix of beans years ago because he couldn’t find one he liked. He tried to get his supplier to make it for him but they wouldn’t.

So, each week, he’s mixing his blend by hand. A secret combination of French, Columbian, Mocha Java, and Amaretto. The flavor is all his.

You won’t find pizza at Fella’s for lunch, there’s enough of that for sure. What you will find are some of the best tacos on Island. Not only did Fella and Jane say they’re good but so have a number of my friends.

I am going to have the fish ones soon, I promise. There’s also grilled chicken and pulled pork tacos but the fish taco with pan seared cod, avocado, red cabbage and pineapple salsa sounds too light and yummy to ignore.

Of course you’ll find a great assortment of sandwiches, like Fella’s take on a Cuban, and soups too, including Fella’s Chili,  and truffle fries, which are a weakness of mine, and even house made potato chips.

All in all, the menu is really diverse and has a number of different options — creative options from a creative foodie, creating a truly delicious addition to Vineyard Haven.

And I cannot forget that Fella’s has a beautiful selection of Gelato and sorbet. After all, what’s a summer day without summer cool and sweet, and a little more healthy than ice cream? The raspberry is too good for words and is a must for raspberry fans.

BBQ Downtown

Coming this Summer on the back patio, Fella’s on Union will be offering Backyard BBQ featuring their signature BBQ sauce, ribs and chicken.

Grab your friends, the family and bottle of wine or some beers, since it will be BYOB, and get ready for some finger lickin good BBQ Thursday – Sundays, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. You can also get this special to go. Perfect for evening beach picnics.

Can you imagine the smell of BBQ wafting though town, enticing you before or after a movie at Capawock? What a fun way to spend a Vineyard night.

In July and August, Fella’s on Union will be open seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Currently it’s open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The plan is to be open nine months out of the year, keeping Islanders fed during the shoulder seasons, only breaking during the winter months.

All of the food is available to go, so call in an order today if you’re hungry! Also, think of Fella’s as a good option for you beach picnic needs. Call it in, pick it up, head right on over to Owen Park and watch the ferries come in.

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